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A new childcare centre has opened its doors in Kitsilano today that will provide 37 spaces for toddlers and preschoolers.
The city-owned daycare expands on a 25-space childcare program that used be in a portable and will be operated by the Montessori Daycare Society.
'We're excited to strengthen our relationship with the City of Vancouver in the coming years to help even more parents find affordable and quality child care," said Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care.
from left to right: Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care Jasmine Howes, Executive Director, Montessori Daycare Society Andrea Reimer, Vancouver City Councillor Photo: City of Vancouver
"With doors now opening at the expanded Montessori Daycare in Kitsilano, we're on track to surpass our 2018 target of 1,000 new childcare spaces in neighbourhoods across the city," said Mayor Gregor Robertson.
The city committed $2.1 million to the project from Development Cost Levies and the province pitched in with a $415,000 grant. Developer Pinnacle International contributed a cash Community Amenity Contribution of $4.6 million with $3.5 million going towards affordable housing and $1.1 million towards the daycare's ongoing maintenance costs.
"This facility will help us to guide and inspire 37 young children to be independent life-long learners in this brand new centre," says Jasmine Howes, executive director, Montessori Daycare Society.
Photo City of Vancouver
Three more childcare centres are expected to open in Vancouver this year, according to a release from the city. Residents looking for daycare generally face long wait times.
The Vancouver Society of Children's Centres operates about 800 licensed centres and its average waitlist times range from 1 to 3 years depending on the age of the child.
